Traveler's Guide to the Arctic: Where to Go & What You'll See

It’s a bucket list destination for many, with the power to reshape your perspective and make lifelong adventure travel dreams come true. What makes the Arctic so spectacular?

Zodiac cruising in Spitsbergen

In this comprehensive post, we’ll explore the regions that make up the Arctic and the exciting, fulfilling things you can see, do and experience there. We’ll check out the highlights of this vast northern polar region, and see how you can experience the Arctic with Quark. Along the way, you’ll have access to additional resources to help you plan your ideal Arctic expedition.

Keep reading, or click on one of the section headings in this list to navigate directly to the piece that answers your questions about Arctic expedition travel.

“To be able to go in person, up close, to the Arctic--to what has been a very difficult part of the world to explore… I think it’s important as the climate is changing, technology changes and our access to places evolves and changes over time.”

Some of the people interested in Arctic travel already have an idea of what they want to see or do there--they want to do a polar plunge, or see polar bears in their natural habitat, or cruise amongst icebergs under towering fjords--and they just aren’t sure where to go or how to make it happen. Home to unique species like polar bears, muskox and endemic foxes and hares, the Arctic is a popular destination for wildlife lovers and photographers.

Others may be just discovering the Arctic and starting to think that it could be a place they’d like to visit. In that case, you can get a taste of the things you can see and do there in Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Arctic. Check out the Top 5 Landing Sites to get an idea of the places you might get to explore on foot, and read on to learn more about what you can see and do, and where to go to make it happen!

While Antarctica is one large land mass surrounded by water, the Arctic is a huge region that spans ⅙ the earth’s area and includes everything north of the Arctic Circle. It’s not one country or destination, but rather spans regions belonging to eight countries:

Often, our travelers have heard or read a lot about a specific Arctic destination and know that’s where they want to go, but they aren’t quite sure what that’s going to look like in reality. If you already have your heart set on visiting Greenland, Spitsbergen, or the Canadian High Arctic, keep reading to see what makes each Arctic destination so magical.

Where should I go in the Arctic?

Unlike the single land mass that is Antarctica, the Arctic is mostly made up of water, with islands and land masses belonging to several countries. The Arctic accounts for about one-sixth of the planet’s area and to give you an idea of just how empty and vast this is, consider that the entire Arctic is home to just four million people--its population is about the same as that of Los Angeles! You can learn more in Where is the Arctic and how can I get there.

The top places to visit in the Arctic are:

Greenland

Spitsbergen

Baffin Island

Arctic Watch

North Pole

Where to go: Greenland

Visit Greenland to explore massive fjords, go hiking in vast wilderness spaces, and maybe even see a spectacular Northern Lights show. Start exploring with this collection of Greenland posts:

Check out this quick clip on modern and traditional Greenlandic people:

“I think it’s very important for people to go to places that are very different from where they live, in order to understand the variety of economies, culture, priorities and challenges of different regions. There is only so much you can do by showing a film or by showing pictures or by telling stories. It’s a very different experience when you’re actually in the Arctic and have the opportunity to see it, touch it, feel it, smell it, and experience it yourself.”
- Fran Ulmer, Chair of U.S. Arctic Research Commission; North Pole Summit speaker

Where to go: Spitsbergen

If you’re looking for opportunities to see and photograph a variety of Arctic animals in beautiful, natural surroundings, you should consider traveling to Spitsbergen, a territory of Norway known as the “realm of the polar bear”.

If you’re looking for a diverse range of Arctic experiences from Inuit culture and exploration history, to Arctic wildlife and incredibly spectacular remote landscapes, Baffin Island, Canada, is the place for you. Baffin Island is a massive island spanning much of Eastern Canada, with many small communities, wildlife sanctuaries, and national and territorial parks.

Arctic Watch, our first land-based expedition, is the home of massive active outdoor adventure and real life Arctic explorers. This authentic wilderness lodge is located on Somerset Island in the Canadian Arctic (you’ll find it directly above Manitoba on this map), near one of the world’s best beluga whale watching sites. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can see and do:

Where to go: North Pole

It’s the iconic exploration dream come true, to stand at the one place on the planet where a look in any direction is a look south. Celebrate with a champagne toast at the North Pole and then walk on the ice, or even take in the scene from high above in a hot air balloon.

What can I see in the Arctic?

Whether you're a naturalist, an avid wildlife photographer, a hiker in search of stunning scenery or just want to check "see a polar bear in it’s natural habitat" off your bucket list, the Arctic can deliver.

If you want to see wildlife:

Spitsbergen offers your best chance to spot polar bear and is also home to walrus, whales, seabird colonies, reindeer and arctic fox.

Greenland is where you might see muskoxen, and possibly whales and seals.

Baffin Island is home to walrus, whales, muskoxen, lemmings, wolves and other unique species.

Check out this incredible aerial video of wildlife near Arctic Watch, captured by drone:

And en route to the North Pole, you might catch a glimpse of a polar bear hunting on the sea ice, or whales breaching in open water.

If you want to see spectacular Arctic landscapes:

Depending on where you go, you could see big-walled fjords, massive icebergs and glaciers, flowering summer tundra, volcanoes and ancient rock formations, spectacular waterfalls and all kinds of natural wonders. If your ideal Arctic expedition includes seeing something in specific:

What can I do in the Arctic?

If you’re looking to encounter wildlife and follow in the footsteps of famous explorers, or experience Inuit culture in one of the world’s last pristine wilderness areas, the Arctic is just the ticket. So what can you do while on expedition?

On every Arctic expedition with Quark, you can:

Go Zodiac cruising and hiking.

Take in expert lectures from onboard marine biologists, geologists, ornithologists, historians and other guests and guides.

Spot wildlife and take photos from the deck and the open bridge, where you can also observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the ship.

Push your limits with incredible rites of passage like the Polar Plunge.

Take part in the Polar Plunge… if you dare!

“Our trip was magical, and very personal. As I watched my daughter Bekky flying her kite and so readily taking a polar plunge, I couldn’t help but feel I was meant to see and experience this.” - Fashion icon Jeanne Beker, Arctic Watch guest

Outside of these activities, what you can do depends on where you want to go. Here are a few ideas:

What to Do: Greenland

“Nature is still champion in this land, but beyond its natural richness, there’s also a focus on the history of inhabitants and their culture. Quark reaches places that are off the beaten track; all the secret hideaways are known by their expedition crew.” - Lynsey Devon, Greenland Explorer passenger

Kayak Spitsbergen’s sheltered inlets and glass-still bays. How awesome is it? Check it out in 360° virtual reality:

Explore by snowshoe on the paths less traveled for a whole new outlook at the spectacular Spitsbergen countryside.

Go Zodiac cruising with expert guides in small groups for exciting encounters with nature, fantastic photo opportunities and a completely immersive environmental education.

What to Do: Baffin Island

“On the western side of the strait, we follow the Baffin Island coastline, stopping to explore islands where we see more polar bears (I spotted nine in all on the trip, most of them in the distance) and plenty of birdlife, particularly the thick-billed murre.” - Steve Meacham, on Baffin Island

Explore rugged shorelines and striking tundra on foot ashore in the Cumberland Peninsula and Frobisher Bay. If you’re lucky, you may see caribou, lemmings or arctic hare.

Watch for polar bears on the sea ice:

What to Do: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

“From the distinct fat bike tours and the ATV expeditions, to the running the ridge trail run and Google Canyon stand-up paddleboarding & hike, to the all-terrain journey & hike to Mars Mountain - each activity provides a novel, exciting new way to explore the North. Guests experience the true Arctic from an active and completely unique perspective.” - Richard Weber, Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Darkness improves the visibility of the Northern Lights later in the year, so if that’s important to you, head to Greenland in September or October. Conditions are darker and cooler nearer the end of the season.

Learn all about Greenland, how and when to explore, what activities to choose and how to maximize your adventure in this short guide.

Visit Greenland for spectacular Northern Lights shows.

When to Visit: Baffin Island

Visit Baffin Island in late August and September, when conditions are best for photography, wildlife viewing, Zodiac cruising and hiking. The further north we go, the longer it stays light out and typically, there are only a few hours of twilight each evening, with no actual darkness.

Learn all about Baffin Island, how and when to explore, what activities to choose and how to make the most of your adventure in this short guide.

When to Visit: Spitsbergen

If you want to see polar bears, go to Spitsbergen in June or July. There more ice earlier in the year, and more polar bears are typically out hunting. If you’re hoping to have a shot at circumnavigating the island, there’s more chance of achieving it later in the season, when the pack ice has had a chance to break up and recede.

Learn all about Spitsbergen, how and when to explore, what activities to choose and more in this brief guide.

When to Visit: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Explore the land of the midnight sun at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge.

The very end of June to mid-August are the perfect time to visit Arctic Watch, as the midnight sun offers excellent conditions for photography, adventures and wildlife viewing.

Read all about the exciting adventure options at Arctic Watch and how this is our most active expedition in this Arctic Watch Adventure Guide.

When to Visit: North Pole

There’s a relatively brief window in July and early August each year when ice conditions allow for passage to the North Pole. This makes your achievement that much more memorable!

Learn more about crushing your way to the North Pole aboard 50 Years of Victory, the most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world, in this brief guide.

Why choose a small expedition ship for your Arctic adventure?

Journeying to the Arctic on a small expedition ship gives you access to more remote regions than large cruise ships can reach. Each day on board a small ship is unique, and no two trips are ever the same. Traveling with dozens instead of hundreds or even thousands of people gives you:

more time to Zodiac cruise and explore landing sites;

more face time with expert guides and special guests;

plenty of opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers;

access to smaller communities, more remote beaches, narrower fjords and channels, and more.

Your ship is your home base for the duration of your trip and while each vessel has its own character, you’ll be comfortable and well taken care of whether you’re cruising the Northwest Passage or exploring Spitsbergen.

Ocean Adventurer is heading into the 2017 Arctic season fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, giving it a more contemporary interior, brand new bathrooms and soft furnishings, and major technical improvements you can read about here.

Ocean Nova is intimate and modern, carrying just 78 passengers in twin, triple and quad cabins. Like Ocean Adventurer, it’s equipped for Zodiac cruising, snowshoeing and hiking, and optional kayaking.

50 Years of Victory offers a couple of really unique and exciting features, including an onboard helicopter for sightseeing and scoping out ice. Watch the video below to see what life is like onboard the world’s most powerful nuclear icebreaker, and download the 50 Years of Victory Ship Book to learn more.

How can I get there?

Arctic kayaking with Valerie Lubrick

You have your choice of 13 voyages including 5 brand new itineraries for the 2018 Arctic season. Experience the Arctic in as little as 6 days for as low as $3,495, with hot Arctic 2018 savings allowing you to save up to $7,000 USD on expeditions of up to 17 days.

About Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is the leading provider in Polar Adventures. Since 1991, we’ve taken thousands of curious travelers to corners of the world that earlier generations could only dream of visiting. Along the way, we’ve achieved an unprecedented series of firsts in polar exploration and have led the way in polar expeditions, making the Arctic and Antarctica accessible to travelers from 50 countries around the world.